Freddy the dog to the rescue

The Decision

Jake and Lisa loved spending time in the park a few streets over from where they lived. Jake and Lisa were cousins and liked to take Lisa’s dog named Freddy to the park along with them every chance they got. Of course, Freddy was always thrilled to go with them! He loved roaming that park, sniffing the grass and flowers, catching balls and sticks, greeting other kids, and relaxing in the warm sun.

On a cheery, sunny Saturday after breakfast, Jake and Lisa decided that it was the perfect day to go to the park with Freddy. Jake and Lisa had their breakfast at Jake’s house that morning. Freddy had enjoyed a piece of toast with some tasty raspberry jam on it as well, as he was always lovingly welcomed at Jake’s house.

Freddy wagged his tail with unceasing happiness when Jake said, “Freddy, today you are going to have a great day. You know why? Because we are going to the park!” 

Jake’s mother called out before they left, “Make sure you keep Freddy on the leash at all times, and be careful.”

Acknowledging his mom, Jake responded, “Yes, mom!” 

Freddy did not mind the leash. He was just happy to be out with Jake and Lisa on a pleasant, bright, and warm day.

Lisa commented, “I love how there are so many wonderful birds singing today. They make such pretty music.” Then Lisa hummed one of her favorite church songs, which was, Jesus Loves Me.

Meeting Up With Friends

As they entered the park, a boy named Todd and his sister named Jenny approached Jake, Lisa, and Freddy. Freddy nudged gently up against Todd and Jenny to greet them. 

Todd smiled and said, “Hey, Freddy, how are you?” The children all giggled in unison. Freddy wagged his tail gleefully.

The leaves of the trees rustled in a light breeze, as the sun peered with warm rays through the gaps of the branches. The children told some funny jokes and then decided to play tag. Freddy chased the children around the park during the game of tag, and the children laughed all the more. 

Todd had brought a ball with him. He knew Freddy loved to catch the ball, so he went to get it where he had left it on a nearby park bench. Freddy jumped high several times to catch the ball, which he did perfectly every time.

Ice Cream and the Talk About Praying to God

Then to everyone’s delight, the familiar sound of the tinkling music of the ice cream truck filled the air. Mr. Nelson, the driver of the truck, always stopped at the park to deliver tasty ice cream treats, and there were always long lines of people ready to buy some. But Mr. Nelson had a policy that children were always served their ice cream treats first before the adults, which meant that there were no long waits for the children.

Jake thanked Mr. Nelson for the ice cream, as his mother and father had always taught him to say thank you, even when he paid for something. Then Lisa reminded everyone that they should thank God for the ice cream before they ate it.

Jenny agreed to join in the prayer. Lisa thanked God with a sincere heart for the ice cream. The children expressed delight over how tasty it was.

Then Jenny asked, “Why do we have to thank God for this ice cream?”

Lisa explained, “Because God is the One Who provides all things for us. That is why it is right to thank Him.”

Jenny responded, “But we all paid for the ice cream with our own money. So I really do not see why it is necessary to take time to pray to God to thank Him for the ice cream before we enjoy it.”

Lisa continued, “Yes, we all paid for the ice cream with our money. But it really is God who gave us the money to be able to buy it.”

Jenny seemed puzzled and stated. “Look, Lisa. God did not show up at my house and give me the money. My grandma lives next to us and she gave me the money a few days ago.”

Lisa explained. “Jenny, God provided the money for your grandmother and she gave it to you. 

So God truly did give that money to you through your grandmother.”

Jenny was perplexed. “But God never showed up at my grandma’s house to give her the money. She gets a pension check every month. Besides, God is invisible.”

Lisa was patient as she continued to explain the truth to Jenny. While doing so, Todd listened interestingly. “Jenny, God is invisible. But He is powerful and He rules over all things. That is what the Bible says. It is He Who provides fresh air, water, strength to work to get money, etc. He created the world. He created you, me, and all people. We see His love every day by Him giving us food, health, a home, a brain to think, and so much more. These are all valid reasons to take time to thank God.”

Jenny said, “Okay, that makes sense. I never thought about that before.”

Jake said, “I have some extra Bibles at home that a lady from church gave me. She told me to give them to my friends, so that they can learn more about God and His love. So I want to give one to each of you, Jenny and Todd.”

Todd and Jenny expressed that they were interested in having those Bibles. The children talked some more as they finished their ice cream. Some butterflies floated gracefully in the air nearby.

Freddy Takes Off

Suddenly, Freddy, though still on a leash, got away from Todd’s grasp. There was Freddy running full blast ahead with his leash wildly dragging behind him on the ground as he ran and ran.

The children ran after Freddy. But they could not keep up. He was a fast dog. They ran up a steep hill, and then they saw Freddy run across the street to the door of a small yellow house. 

There was smoke coming out from an open window.

The children had not yet reached the house, but they could now smell the smoke. And they saw Freddy jump hard against the door. The door opened, and there was a little girl two years of age  coughing and stooping over. 

The little girl was crying and went to the sidewalk. Then she sat on the curb, somewhat scared. The girl coughed and coughed, likely from having breathed in too much smoke. The children  realized that Freddy had helped this child get out of the house by jumping against the door to open it.

Lisa had a cell phone with her. Her mother told her to use it only in the case of an emergency. Lisa knew this was an emergency and called for help. Soon the fire department came. Also, a paramedic team arrived. There was no major fire, but a firefighter turned off the stove, put out a small fire, and told the children that they did the right thing not to go into the house with lots of smoke. He explained that it is always wise to practice safety.

The firefighters had found the child’s grandmother taking a nap in a bedroom that was far away from the kitchen. The child’s parents had left the girl in the care of the grandmother for a few days. The child was supposed to be napping in the bed with her grandmother, whose name was Mrs. Robinson. 

Needless to say, Mrs. Robinson was surprised to be woken by firefighters and  was shocked that her little granddaughter was no longer napping beside her. But rather the little girl had tried to cook herself some fried eggs, because that was what her grandmother had done at breakfast.

Mrs. Robinson apologized for being such a deep sleeper and for being unaware of all that had happened. She further said,  “I had no idea that little Heidi would cause such trouble!”

Mrs. Robinson explained that the door did not work properly and that her old house had only one door. She had meant to have it fixed, but she had put it off. She had hoped to have it fixed by the end of the week, and she had never expected little Heidi to be stuck in the house with smoke in the kitchen.

Mrs. Robinson expressed, “It was a miracle from God  that your dog came to help my granddaugher!”

The firefighters agreed, and one said, “That sure was a miracle.”

Todd asked, “But how did Freddy know to come here to help?” 

A tall firefighter by the name of John explained, “God gave dogs a strong sense of smell. Long before you kids even saw the smoke, Freddy could smell it from a long distance away. Also, God must have given him a sense that someone was in trouble.”

Jenny questioned, “So God sent Freddy to rescue the little girl?”

Lisa and Todd said in unison, “Yes, He sure did.”  

Mrs. Robinson chimed in, “Yes, God did so indeed!”

Think About It

You have just read a fun, exciting, and interesting story. It is wonderful that Freddy rescued the girl. But did you know that you need Jesus to rescue you from sin and Hell? 

You can find out more about this truth by reading the article called: The Gospel for Kids! Learn How Jesus Can Rescue You From Sin and Hell!  Just click on the title, and you will be directed to the article. There you will find all the details about how God sent Jesus to rescue you if you will believe in His death and resurrection to pay for your sins and if you repent of your sins. 

John 3:16 from the Holy Bible states: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”